Meteorologist says summer will be hot, dry

May 21—Eastern New Mexico saw some rainfall last week, including 1.37 inches southwest of Portales. But weather forecasters are warning area residents to prepare for a hot, dry summer.

Temperatures have been well into the 90s of late and the Roswell area has already reached triple digits.

"Generally, a lot of eastern New Mexico is running about 10 to 12 degrees above average," said Todd Shoemake, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.

For those that aren't fans of the heat, Shoemake said he doesn't have great news for the rest of the summer.

"Much of New Mexico and really a lot of the Rockies and the four corners' areas are expected to see better chances for above normal temperatures through those summer months," Shoemake said.

The high temperature in eastern New Mexico last year was 103 degrees, Shoemake said. That happened at least once in June, July, and August.

Those numbers are likely again and Shoemake said precipitation is expected to be below average throughout the summer.

The chances for rain this week are not promising; Shoemake said there really is zero chance, at least through the Memorial

Day holiday.

Wind? Shoemake said the region's traditional spring winds are not expected to extend into summer months.

"I think we're past the worst of it," he said.

However, this week could still see gusts up to 30-35 mph each day.

And with high winds plus high temperatures comes red-flag warnings.

"We issue those when we are concerned about what we call fire weather. Basically, we're just looking at how dry it is, how windy it is and how hot it is and if the temperatures are well above average," Shoemake said.

Shoemake said outdoor burning is not recommended. "If you're barbecuing or outdoor grilling, that kind of thing, you might want to hold up until the winds settle down."